Recently, many have urged the Florida Legislature to strengthen the state’s lax gambling penalties as it prepares to convene on January 13 for a two-month session ending March 13.
Cracking Down on Illegal Gambling to Be the Focus of the Next Legislative Session
Florida continues to face illegal gambling activity, from unregulated “arcades” with illicit slot machines to offshore sportsbooks touting better odds than the state’s only licensed operator, Hard Rock Bet. Meanwhile, controversial online sweepstakes casinos also aggressively market to Floridians. Even Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has urged lawmakers to take stronger action against illegal gambling, which is currently only a misdemeanor under state law.
It was earlier this week when Florida lawmakers introduced a second broad anti-gambling bill, HB 591, underscoring a wider effort to strengthen criminal penalties, crack down on unregulated operators, and tighten control over the state’s gambling industry. Interestingly, it comes roughly two weeks after HB 189, a separate measure aimed at criminalizing non-tribal online and land-based gambling, with an exception carved out for daily fantasy sports.
HB 591 extends well beyond online wagering or machine parlors, overhauling major sections of Florida’s gambling code and sharply increasing penalties. The proposal spans issues from slot machine possession and online wagering to illegal gambling facilities, advertising, and even transporting individuals to gambling venues.
Seminole Tribe Spearheads the Discussions
In Florida, slot machines are only permitted at the Seminole Tribe’s six land-based casinos and at racinos located in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Additionally, bingo-style electronic gaming machines are legally available at the Miccosukee Casino & Resort in Miami and at the tribe’s Little Trail Casino in the Everglades.
In September, Seminole Gaming COO David Hoenemeyer issued a warning to the public regarding illegal arcades. He noted that numerous gaming arcades had emerged across Florida, describing them as unlawful gambling operations that posed a risk not only to unsuspecting patrons but to the wider community as well.
Travel along any major highway in Florida, and you’ll likely come across an illegal gambling operation disguised as an arcade at one of the exits. Law enforcement and the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) report that the operators of these unlawful businesses are undeterred by existing penalties, which usually result in only misdemeanor charges.
According to Hoenemeyer, these operations do not pay taxes and target individuals who may be unaware of the serious risks they pose. Investigations have frequently found that they often refuse to honor jackpot payouts to unsuspecting customers, and many do not even configure their slot machines to provide fair returns.